Staff Member Profiles
Brenton Lewis
Chief Executive
MAICD- Member Australian Institute of Company Directors
SABAN- Business Ambassador of South Australia 2007 (appointed 2007)
Brenton was appointed the Chief Executive of the new amalgamated entity of Regional Development Australia Murraylands & Riverland Inc. in January 2010. Brenton spent many years in private enterprise at the senior management level, particularly in Agribusiness and within his own private businesses. Brenton has contributed to many civic duties including the Soil Board, Murraylands Regional Development Board, Murray Bridge Racing Club, Homes for the Aged and the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge. Within the role of Chief Executive, Brenton chairs several forums, participates on several boards, various committees and working parties. His passion and personal drive for the growth & sustainability of the region is tremendous. Through his role as CE, he strives to capitalise investment attraction, thereby maximising economic development and community capacity in the expanded region.
Nicolle Jachmann
Economic Development Manager (Riverland)
B Acc
CPA
Nicolle was appointed to the Role of Economic Development Manager in December 2011. Nicolle is a Certified Practising Accountant with over 20 years’ experience in Finance and Management, including engagement in the Banking Industry.
Nicolle was raised on a fruit property in the Riverland and has a rich background in community involvement. Through her role as a director of their own family cereal cropping and prime lamb production enterprises and having worked closely with business and industry in the region from Banking, Accounting and Business Advisory perspectives, Nicolle has a good understanding of both the challenges and opportunities that face our region.
Nicolle’s role is to provide vision and leadership to the Riverland office, while creating and managing economic growth within our region through the implementation of the RDA Murraylands and Riverland Roadmap, Riverland Regional Prospectus and facilitation of the Riverland Futures Fund.
Nicolle is passionate about the region and embraces the opportunity to work with the Board, CEO, Staff and stakeholders in economically and sustainably growing our region.
Sharon Weyland
Finance, Governance & Contracts Manager
Sharon commenced with RDA in June 2010. Born and raised on a dairy farm just outside of Murray Bridge she has an awareness and understanding of the needs of people and the communities of the Murraylands region.
Sharon brings more than 20 years experience in finance and business management. Having worked in retail, manufacturing and sporting business, and a past partner of a successful Murray Bridge business she has a broad range of experience in managing financial matters. She has a strong community spirit remaining involved with sporting clubs within the area and is committed to working with RDA towards stronger economic development within the region.
Tamara Rohrlach
Corporate Services Manager
Tamara commenced in her current role in January 2012. Tamara has previously worked within the wine industry in the Barossa Valley gaining qualifications in Viticulture before moving into a Project Management role with the Department of Primary Industries. Her role as a Farming Systems Consultant brought her to Murray Bridge and saw her work closely with agricultural businesses across the South Australian Mallee, looking at ways to both increase production and overcome quarantine challenges.
Tamara’s role within RDA is to ensure the smooth operation of the organisation and to have a leadership role overseeing the successful implementation of the RDA Murraylands and Riverland Regional Roadmap.
Tamara is excited about being part of the greater SA Mallee community and looks forward to playing her part in increasing the success and sustainability of the region.
email: trohrlach(at)rdamurraylands.org.au
Cathy LeMaistre
Administration/Corporate Support
Cathy commenced with RDA in June 2012. Her role is to provide administrative and corporate support primarily to the Riverland office.
Cathy moved to the Riverland after her husband obtained a role as an ambulance officer in Barmera. Cathy has over 20 years in office administration. The majority of her experience has been obtained within the legal industry.
Cathy is looking forward to being part of the riverland community.
Darryl Webb
Business Development Manager (Murraylands)
Darryl joined RDA in October 2005 and his primary role is working with and assisting small to medium businesses, identifying and implementing opportunities for future sustainability, growth and development.
Darryl gained extensive management experience during 16 years as General Manager of Clipsal, Murray Bridge. Prior to moving to Murray Bridge in 1987 he held various management positions within Gerard Industries in Adelaide. Darryl and his family enjoy the Murraylands' lifestyle and continue to have a strong commitment to the region through community and sporting involvement.
Mark Bell
Business Development Manager (Riverland)
Mark commenced with RDA in December 2011 and his primary role is working with and assisting small to medium businesses, identifying and implementing opportunities for future sustainability, growth and development.
Mark’s skills & experience cover all aspects of business development. They include many years as a local business owner and as the Retail Operations Manager for 13 Mobil branded retail sites. He has held this position previously on contract for 15 months - April 2005/June 2006 as well as being self employed as a business coach over the last 11 years.
Mark has a passion for business development and analysis. In 2006 Mark achieved accreditation as an APEC Certified Business Counsellor and in February 2011 his appointment was recommended to the Panel of Coaches for the DTED Business Owners Coaching Program (BOCP).
email: mbell(at)rdariverland.org.au
Julie Robertson
Indigenous Economic Development Manager (Riverland)
Julie was born in Broken Hill, with a career spanning 20 years in various leadership and training positions. Julie is a former board member for RDA and has worked in many SA country locations including Eyre Peninsula, Mid/Far Northern Regions and Riverland area. She is a successful business operator and consultant in roles requiring people development, marketing initiatives, and quality control.
We welcome Julie, as she is our most recent addtion to the team, by starting work on August 22nd 2011.
email: jrobertson(at)rdariverland.org.au
Annie Payne
Employment & Training Project Manager (Riverland)
Annie Payne joined RDA Riverland in early April 2012 and has a long history working in the learning and employment industry having worked at Coober Pedy, Kadina and most recently Mawson Lakes.
Annie was raised on a fruit block in Kingston-on-Murray and still has strong connections and understanding of the Riverland environment with her parents and sister still living in the area. Annie has been a keen go-kart racer (and Champion!) in her younger years and is still a passionate petrol-head who can be seen enjoying the thrills and spills at Speedway City.
During her time with the Salisbury Council she excelled in the area of community capacity building. Annie quickly established a plethora of programs that engaged the community via learning opportunities, formation of groups and delivery of local events.
Annie was awarded a Centennial Medal for her work with Youth and the Elderly on Yorke Peninsula and is excited to have the opportunity to work with colleagues and networks in the Riverland to make a difference.
email: apayne@rdariverland.org.au
Jessica Ziersch
Employment & Training project manager (Murraylands)
Jessica Ziersch joined the RDA Murraylands team in March 2013, bringing with her substantial experience and knowledge in community development, marketing and project administration.
Jessica was raised on a cropping and sheep station along the Murray River, where her passion for the Murraylands and desire to remain in the area was established. She still maintains strong connections with the rural community through her family and volunteering commitments in Tailem Bend.
With a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Politics and Bachelor of International Studies, Jessica has a strong understanding and passion for government and community development in regional areas. Additionally, her prior employment with Tailem Bend Community Centre and Murray Mallee Community Education Network has built a strong awareness of the employment and training needs of the Murraylands region.
Jessica will be coordinating a variety of programs to assist in skills and career development. She looks forward to working with the RDA team and alongside various stakeholders to make a difference in her community.
Candace Torres
Tourism Development Manager (Murraylands)
With a wealth of experience in business development, marketing and event management leadership roles, Candace brings a diverse and desirable range of skills and knowledge to the team. Candace has had the practical benefit of working in various business environments, from her own Information and Communications Technology (ICT) business to an events management company and, most recently, in a large educational institution. This diverse experience has provided her with a well-rounded understanding and application of marketing-based practices, strong business acumen and work ethic.
Candace is accustomed to handling multiple projects and people, while undertaking analysis and research, keeping up to date with best practice and emerging trends, planning ahead and looking for economic efficiencies and better ways of achieving outcomes. Candace has a passion for her field of work and prides herself on being professional, approachable and results-driven.
In this newly created role, Candace will work closely with the local Murraylands community, Murraylands Tourism Partnership, Regional Development Australia and the South Australian Tourism Commission.
Annette Thiel
Career Development Centre (Riverland)
Annette is a qualified Career Practitioner and has undertaken Certificate IV in both Career Development and Project Management.
Annette’s role at the Career Development Centre (CDC) – Riverland is that of Project Support. The CDC is a SA Works project that commenced operation out of the Berri office in September 2010. Annette is responsible for administration within the centre, including file and data management and the smooth functioning of the centre. With an understanding of local industry, local employment services and local training providers, Annette successfully links clients with the appropriate services suitable to their requirements.
Annette has been employed at RDA since 2004, being here during the amalgamation of the Murraylands Regional Development Board and the Riverland Development Corporation (RDC) and had been with the RDC.
Rachel Thiele
Career Development Practitioner (Riverland)
Rachel is a qualified Career Development Practioner and has undertaken Certificate IV in Career Development, Front Line Management and Training & Assessment.
Rachel grew up on a Farm just outside of Loxton and believes in the importance of working with the local community to develop areas of need in both Employment and Training. Rachel is familiar with the Riverland Regions training trends and one of her key focuses is advocating for clients in order to have their skills formally recognised through either Recognised Prior Learning process or other training forms. Rachel works with clients to help display their transferable skills that can be utilised in other areas; in turn creating new pathways for individuals and direction to those who may not have thought this was achievable.
Rachel enjoys working with clients to develop personal tailored resumes, covering letters and Career pathway Plans. Rachel recognizes that each client is different and will have different needs to be catered for.
Rachel assists people in gaining knowledge, skills and behaviours to manage learning and work throughout a productive and engaging working life.
Kerryn Van Dyk
Career Development Practitioner (Riverland)
Kerryn commenced with RDA in June 2012 working in the Career Development Centre (CDC) located in Berri. Kerryn has a disability background having spent the last 11 years working in the Disability Employment Sector and brings with her a wealth of knowledge in career planning and customer servicing.
Kerryn’s role at the CDC is as a Career Practitioner and she is responsible for providing clients with knowledge to update and tailor their Resumes to suit employment opportunities, assisting them to become job ready, linking them with training opportunities, and generally working with clients to establish their career pathway.
Kerryn and other staff in CDC are also supporting clients to access the Government subsidised training that is available under the ‘Skills for All' Initiative that commenced in July and is providing a plethora of learning opportunities for South Australians.
Email: kvandyk(at)rdariverland.org.au
Business Support (Riverland)
Talissa has lived in the Riverland for 18 years and recently completed Year 12. This year, Talissa will undergo a 12 month traineeship with RDA. Talissa will spend four days per week in the Berri office, and attend TAFE the remaining day to complete her Cert III in Business.
Talissa’s main roles in the office are answering the telephone, word processing, database management, assisting with events and providing general business support to all staff. Talissa is the first point of call for visitors to the Riverland office, and will welcome you with a big smile and a professional manner.
Talissa is look forward to this opportunity and working with different businesses within the region.
Talissa is a welcome addition to the RDA team.
Email: tkassulke(at)rdariverland.org.au
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